However, Jim Ross elaborated in his newest blog, saying where there's smoke, there's fire. It appears a deal may be close to being finished between the two sides.

"The bottom line is my camp and AXSTV have had talks over the last couple of months and there is a mutual interest to do business together but we have yet to finalize our agreement. As of Saturday morning, I was told that the "lawyers are reviewing the revised points on the contract." If we can all get on the same page, of which I am optimistic that we can, then we can get every thing signed and move forward to another exciting chapter of my broadcasting career. To be able to get back in the game is something that excites me and to be able to call such a fundamentally sound, athletic presentation like NJPW motivates me," Ross wrote.

Jim Ross called Wrestle Kingdom 9 on pay-per-view live in Japan last year, as part of Global Force Wrestling's presentation of the event. Since then, Kevin Kelly, Matt Striker and Yoshi Tatsu have taken over commentary duties. Ranallo told me that NJPW never approached him about calling shows on NJPW World.

You can check out JR's full blog at this link, where he talks about Royal Rumble booking, Steve Austin, and much more.

Also, don't forget to get your tickets for Jim Ross' RINGSIDE show Wrestlemania weekend over at Ticketmaster!